Dental emergency in Olivette, MO. It’s hard to conceive how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Olivette, MO, while we encourage everyone to get their routine examinations, we reserve enough time in our schedule to help those dealing from a dental emergency get the care they require. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Olivette, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Olivette, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Olivette, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is readily available to offer assistance. Our skilled dental team is ready to handle various dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of taking care of every patient with the same level of dedication he would give to his own family, guaranteeing a favorable patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by managing complicated and intricate cases in an educational environment that many dentists generally don’t encounter until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center highly capable to address dental emergencies in Olivette, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Despite your previous encounters with other dentists in Olivette, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad experience in the dental chair, specifically one that puts off people from seeking required dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to guarantee that our patients feel at ease and relaxed during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, which may include:
- Accidents and injuries to the mouth and face
- Untreated dental decay or cavities
- Poor oral hygiene leading to gum disease
- Sports-related injuries
- Chewing hard or sticky foods
- Biting on objects that are not intended for oral use
- Ignoring dental pain or discomfort
Types of Dental Emergencies and What to Do About Them
What to do during a dental emergency in Olivette, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips to more severe fractures, or even the complete loss of a tooth, tooth fractures can occur as a result of various incidents, including accidents or biting on hard objects.
What to do for a tooth fracture:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Place a cold compress to the affected area in order to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), making sure to avoid the root
- Rinse the tooth carefully with clean water if soiled, but avoid scrub or detach any attached tissue fragments
- Attempt to place back the tooth into its socket, if possible, avoiding forcing it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Seek dental assistance in a half-hour for maximum possibility of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental issue, such as a bacterial infection or an abscess. The pain can be intense and lasting, demanding urgent medical attention to relieve pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution to relieve discomfort
- Use dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food remnants that could be causing the discomfort
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Seeking immediate dental care becomes essential to repair the damaged restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to book an appointment for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a severe infection that affects the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can lead to intense pain, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist without delay for additional assessment and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a fresh cloth to manage the bleeding
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule a visit to find out the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, resulting in discomfort, difficulty in speaking and chewing, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a scarf or bandage to avoid further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be irritating and result in pain or inflammation. Carefully taking out the object without inflicting further damage is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to prevent injury
- If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for help in proper extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or become loose, causing oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Olivette, MO
Not all dental problems mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be managed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Olivette, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that lasts and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Olivette, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and offer appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Olivette, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best treatment method is always prevention. Below are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Olivette, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing each day
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens
- Be cautious when eating sticky or tough foods
- Address any issues with your teeth or gums promptly to avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Olivette, MO include:
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Tooth Pain
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Emergency in Olivette, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being aware of what to do and obtaining the help of a trusted Olivette, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Olivette, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Olivette, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an accident or have a nagging toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in Olivette, MO.